Height guide
How tall is a refrigerator?
Short answer: most freestanding refrigerators are 66 to 70 inches tall to the top of the hinges (168–178 cm). Top-freezer models are typically 66⅜ in, side-by-side models are typically 69⅝ in, bottom-freezer models are typically 69 11/16 in and French-door models are typically 70 in. Built-in refrigerators are usually about 84 in.
From 781 freestanding full-size models in the ExactFit catalog, using manufacturer dimensions.
Which fridges fit under your cabinet?
171 of 565 fridges (30%)
Freestanding fridges whose height at the hinges plus the gap the maker asks for above is 70 in (177.8 cm) or less.
All fridges that fit under 70 in, by type →
Height is one of three limits. Enter the width, height and depth of your space to see which fridges fit all three.
Check your whole opening ↓Heights by type
| Type | Case height (typical) | Height to top of hinges | Hinges above the case | Gap asked for above | Opening height needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| French door 365 models | 68⅞ in | 69¾–71⅞ in · typical 70 177–183 cm | about 1⅛ in | typically ½ in | typically 70⅝ in |
| Side-by-side 123 models | 68⅝ in | 66⅝–70 1/16 in · typical 69⅝ 169–178 cm | about 1 in | typically ½ in | typically 70¼ in |
| Top freezer 205 models | 65½ in | 61 9/16–67⅜ in · typical 66⅜ 156–171 cm | about ½ in | typically 1½ in | typically 67⅜ in |
| Bottom freezer 82 models | 68½ in | 67–71 in · typical 69 11/16 170–180 cm | about 1⅛ in | typically 1 in | typically 70⅛ in |
| Built-in 209 models | — | typical 83¾ | — | — | — |
Case height vs height with hinges
Case height is the cabinet box, and it is often the only height a listing shows. Height with hinges includes the hinge covers and doors on top. On 84% of French-door models the hinges sit 1 inch or more above the case; the largest difference we found is 3 3/16 in (Beko BFSB3622SS).
The opening you need is the hinge height plus the gap the manufacturer asks for above. In recent owner reviews of 33-inch refrigerators that we studied, buyers reported hinges that stopped the cabinet doors above from opening, cabinets they had to shorten, and new fridges a quarter to half an inch taller than the old one that no longer fit under the cabinet.
How much space does a refrigerator need on top?
77% of models ask for 1 inch or less above the hinges (½, 1 and ⅜ inch are the most common figures). Some ask for 2 to 4 inches, and a few much more: the Kenmore 46-51805 needs 12 inches. Two refrigerators of the same height can need openings several inches apart, so check the exact model.
Short refrigerators: what fits under your cabinet?
| Opening height | Designs that fit |
|---|---|
| 65 in (165 cm) | 12 |
| 66 in (168 cm) | 26 |
| 68 in (173 cm) | 89 |
| 70 in (178 cm) | 171 |
| 72 in (183 cm) | 526 |
Counts include the hinges and each manufacturer’s top gap; colour versions of one design count once.
Questions people ask
What is the standard height of a refrigerator?
66–70 inches to the top of the hinges for freestanding models. Built-in models are usually 84 inches.
What is the average refrigerator height?
About 69⅞ inches to the top of the hinges across freestanding models.
What is the shortest full-size refrigerator?
Top-freezer models, from about 61 9/16 inches. A few side-by-side, bottom-freezer and French-door models also fit under 68 inches: see the 68-inch list.
Do refrigerators need space on top?
Yes. Most manufacturers ask for ⅜ to 1 inch above the hinges for air; some ask for 2 inches or more.
Should I measure to the top of the case or the hinges?
The hinges, then add the manufacturer’s top gap. That total is the opening height each ExactFit model page shows.
Check your opening
How to measure for a refrigerator →
Other heights: 65 in · 66 in · 68 in · 70 in · 72 in · How tall is a refrigerator? →
Confirm current manufacturer specifications and installation requirements before purchase or installation. ExactFit does not evaluate every delivery-path, plumbing, electrical, trim, floor, or door-swing condition.